In any evolving field, it’s common for myths and exaggerations to rule the public consciousness.
Take mold, for instance. Very real ill effects have been repeatedly reported and validated, yet there’s still so much we don’t know about who develops severe reactions and why.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to toxic mold and are experiencing sinus- or–inflammation-related illness, read on to learn how you should respond.
What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold naturally sheds toxins called Mycotoxins, which are the cause of many symptoms.
Depending on your immune system, allergies, and other unknown risk factors, and your at-home mold concentration, the concentration of mold in the air, your reaction may range from virtually non-existent, mild, or serious.
Mold toxicity is often overlooked because the symptoms it causes are so wide that it becomes difficult to piece together the original source.
Doctors unfamiliar with mold may miss the chemical and inflammatory reaction.
This is because:
There’s no single standard for mold testing
No standard protocol for treating mold toxicity
Few studies have examined the connections between mycotoxins and human health
Mold toxicity symptoms vary greatly
Many who get exposed to mycotoxins will not have a strong reaction
Which Symptoms Are Most Common to Mold Toxicity?
All told, there are two distinct physiological reactions to mold.
The first is an immune reaction that leads to allergy-like symptoms, runny nose, itchy skin and eyes, trouble breathing, and other sinus issues. The second is an inflammatory chemical reaction driven by mycotoxins.
These symptoms are far harder to pin down, including any number of the following:
Brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, and other cognitive problems
Persistent metallic taste
Changes in mood
Excessive thirst and dehydration
Dizziness or vertigo
Hormone imbalance symptoms, including hair loss and rashes
Extreme fatigue
Numbness and tingling
How Do You Test Yourself for Dangerous Mold Exposure?
At-home mold urine tests are sometimes recommended for such instances, but due to their many issues, they’re not entirely trustworthy.
This is why we recommend at-home mold tests first. If you’re already experiencing many of the above symptoms, it’ll be worth your while to call in professional remediators. At-home tests are available, but as the EPA doesn’t endorse any specific testing brand, they instead recommend contacting a professional.
When in Doubt: Better Safe Than Sorry
Unfortunately, modern medicine has yet to reveal the inner workings of mycotoxins and their effect on the human body. That said, by carefully monitoring your symptoms, rapidly responding to any mold growth and leaks, and contacting a local DC mold remediator, you should be able to avoid the worst of it.
Why MoldGone?
With a 5-star rating across Yelp and Google Reviews, we’re among the best-reviewed mold remediates in the area. At MoldGone, we offer FREE mold inspection. Our mold removal and mold remediation services are available at reasonable prices.
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